06 Aug How to Prepare for your Consultation

Howdy folks! As I’ve been working at Capozza and taking part in some of the design appointments, I’ve noticed a lot of people who come in looking for tile struggle with the process of designing their flooring or walls. Be it overwhelmed by the options Capozza provides or frustrated with all the steps of renovating a home, people have a tendency to want to hand the reigns over to the designers and tell them to just decide for them!

However, I’ve also noticed what makes for a productive, easy-going appointment. Whether you’re exhausted from renovations or simply don’t know where to start, here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for an amazing meeting to make your home perfect for you.

Bring Inspiration

One of the key aspects of design is drawing from other designs that you enjoy. Bring in anything that you think captures some part of the layout you have in mind. Pinterest boards, magazine cutouts, Houzz ideas, color swatches, tile similar to what you’re looking for- anything and everything can help your designer understand you, and therefore your vision, better. We’ve even had clients request we match tile to the pattern or color of certain objects. In one instance, a couple brought in an old bottle they had found, which we managed to match their backsplash to and even incorporate into the kitchen. During another appointment, we had a person ask us to base an entire bathroom off of an antique wastebasket they brought in. Anything that you are drawn to, or speaks to some element of design you want, is helpful to the designers.

Know What You Don’t Want

One of the most consistent problems I’ve taken notice of while helping during appointments is the lack of communication about what a person doesn’t want in their home. What kind of color schemes don’t you like? Are there any textures or patterns you’d like to steer clear of? Overall looks you’d like to avoid? Tell these concerns to your designer; negation is a powerful tool, and can help us narrow down the options and really allow us to hit the nail on the head for you.

Listen to your designer!

The previous tip being said, it’s also important to listen to your designer! Sometimes people come in with misconceptions about certain flooring or tile that really aren’t too much of a concern, or have an idea for something they may not work out too well for the specific room or layout. We’re here to dispel the information that isn’t true as well as bring up concerns that you may not have thought or been aware of.

Be Aware of Your Budget

Be upfront about how much you’re willing to spend with your consultant; having beautiful walls and floors doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Don’t be afraid to ask someone the prices of the samples they’re pulling; it’s much easier to avoid tile out of your price range altogether than to fall in love with something you’ll have to let go. There are always alternatives to expensive materials, and ways to incorporate pricier tile without blowing your budget. Just let your designer know, and they’ll find solutions that work for you and your wallet.

You Can Bring Samples Home!

A lot of people who come into our showroom and start pulling samples can become overwhelmed during their appointment due to the myriad of options Capozza offers; renovating and installation can be a bit of a headache, and sifting through all the choices to find what’s just right can be stressful when so many things could work. If stress gets the better of you during your appointment, it’s okay! Take the samples that you’ve liked home with you, and then see how each looks in the space they’re really meant for. What do you like about them? What could you do without? Answering these questions, and then coming back to discuss with your consultant, can clear your head and allow you to steer your designer in the right direction in order to find exactly what you need.

Come to the appointment prepared

From what I’ve observed during my time in appointments, the thing that most consistently makes for a dissatisfying appointment is when clients have absolutely no idea of what they want. Coming into Capozza without anything figured out can lead to a wild goose chase; your designer could be searching for a needle of an aesthetic in a haystack of ideas. Instead of coming in hoping the muse will spontaneously strike you, come in prepared with an idea or two of what you’d like and pictures of the space you’ll be renovating. Samples of your countertops, pictures of your cabinetry, and color swatches of the paint you’re using are all some great references you may want to consider bringing in; your designers will thank you!

Have Fun with It!

While it can be very stressful, taking charge of your home and making the changes you wish to see in order to create a space that is unique to you and your personality can be an extremely empowering experience. Helping you construct an environment that you love – both aesthetically and functionally—is our job here at Capozza, and seeing you happy is our number one concern. Try to enjoy the process; we’re here to help you every step of the way!